BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Patriot League is proud to announce the establishment of the Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, Feb. 10.
The virtual forum will begin by featuring faculty experts from League campuses, including Dr. Paula C. Austin of Boston University (Feb. 10) and Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead of Loyola University Maryland (Feb. 24). In addition to esteemed faculty, the speaker series will highlight scholars and experts recommended from within the League’s campus communities.
The initial sessions have been designed for Patriot League students and staff, to lend an academic perspective to the discussions that were restarted during the turbulent summer of 2020. In staying true to the League’s mission of preparing student-athletes to become leaders and make meaningful contributions to society, the Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series aims to provide perspective and context on issues facing a multicultural world.
Programming is being developed to provide foundational learning and education on the topic of Anti-Racism, the sharing of impactful experiences and the development of a sustainable action plan in the pursuit of Anti-Racist behaviors and structures.
“Establishing the Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series is an important step in the continuation of the work that began this summer,” Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said. “With education at the core of what the Patriot League stands for, we are grateful to be able to provide a platform to the leaders within our campus communities to discuss these critical issues.”
The Patriot League Anti-Racism Speaker Series is a primary initiative of the League’s Anti-Racism Commission and a component of the group’s promise to create an open dialogue among the membership as it pursues Anti-Racist practices while examining areas in which systemic racism is perpetuated and to seek actionable solutions for long-term sustainable change within the League.
Dr. Paula C. Austin, Boston University – Wednesday, Feb. 10 (7 p.m.)
Understanding Racial Regimes in United States History
Description: Despite the evolution of our scientific knowledge about “race,” structural racism continues to harm and to be reified in the United States. This session traces the development of racial hierarchies from the colonial period through the 20th century. How, why, and when were racist ideologies, racist “science,” and racially discriminatory policies and practices deployed and ultimately embedded into our foundational institutions? By looking at key moments in history, we examine relations of power and the ways in which ideas were in formation, were mobilized, and/or used to reinforce racial hierarchies based in white supremacy.
Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead, Loyola University of Maryland – Wednesday, Feb. 24 (7 p.m.)
Uprooting Racism and Inequality: Exploring What it Means to Practice Antiracism
Description: It has become increasingly apparent that every conversation in this country is about race, even when it was not. It is simply because every conversation about race is a conversation about people. Race is not a biological concept; it is a social construct that either extends or denies a person's access to privileges and benefits. Conversations about race are messy and emotional, unsettling, and frightening and where you stand on the question of race is an easy barometer to finding out where you stand on just about everything else: Who are you? How do you define yourself? Where are you in your racial identity awareness? In this session, we will seek to answer these questions by examining how your individual lived experiences influence your racial consciousness and understanding. We will conclude by outlining strategies for how you can respond to systemic racism on your campus.
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The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athletes can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes that are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.